Can you get a credit card with fair credit?

What does a fair credit score mean? 

Fair credit refers to a credit score range that is considered better than "poor" but not "good". 

In the UK, you don't just have one credit score. You have three different scores, one from each of the main credit agencies. Each agency uses its own scoring system, which means your score will look different depending on where you check. 

Here's what fair credit looks like with each agency: 

• Experian (scores from 0 to 999) Fair credit sits between 721 and 880 points. 

• Equifax (scores from 0 to 1,000) Fair credit ranges from 380 to 419 points. 

• TransUnion (scores from 0 to 710) Fair credit is between 566 and 603 points. 

Your fair credit score tells lenders that you're managing your money reasonably well, but there's room to grow. It shows you're not a huge risk, but you might not be first in line for the very best deals yet. 

Credit cards for fair credit 

Having fair credit doesn't mean you're stuck without options. You can still apply for many types of cards, though the terms might be different from what someone with excellent credit gets. 

Cards you can apply for 

• Credit builder cards are designed to help improve your score 

• Balance transfer cards can be good for moving debt from other cards (though you might get a shorter interest-free period) 

• Purchase cards are useful for spreading the cost of big buys (again, possibly with shorter promotional periods) 

• Standard credit cards with reasonable interest rates 

What might be different? 

When you apply with fair credit, you might notice: 

• Shorter promotional periods (like 15 months of interest-free instead of 24 months) 

• Higher interest rates than advertised 

• Lower credit limits to start with 

• Higher balance transfer fees 

How they work 

Credit builder cards work just like regular credit cards. You use them to buy things, then pay back what you've spent. The main differences are: 

• Lower credit limits (usually between £200 and £1,500) 

• Higher interest rates 

• Fewer fancy features like rewards or cashback 

Why they're helpful 

When you use a credit builder card responsibly, making payments on time and staying within your limit, lenders start to see you as reliable. Over time, this can boost your credit score. Some people see improvements in as little as three to six months. 

The key is to spend small amounts and pay off your balance in full each month. This way, you avoid paying interest whilst also building your credit history. 

Tips for getting approved 

You can boost your chances of getting a credit card with fair credit by following these simple steps: 

• Check your eligibility before you apply – Eligibility checkers show you which cards you're likely to get accepted for without affecting your credit score 

• Space out your applications – Don't apply for multiple cards at once. Each application leaves a mark on your credit file. If you're rejected, wait a few months before trying again. 

• Keep your details up to date – Make sure you're registered to vote at your current address. Being on the electoral register helps lenders verify who you are. 

• Start small – Begin with a credit builder card rather than aiming for premium rewards cards. Once your score improves, you can upgrade to better options. 

Using your card wisely 

Getting approved is just the first step. How you use your card matters even more. 

• Pay on time, every time – Set up a Direct Debit to make at least the minimum payment automatically. Better yet, pay off your full balance each month to avoid interest charges. 

• Stay well below your limit – Try not to use more than 25% of your available credit. For example, if your limit is £1,000, aim to keep your balance under £250. 

• Be patient – Building credit takes time. You won't see dramatic changes overnight, but steady, responsible use will gradually improve your score over several months. 

Your next steps 

Having fair credit isn't a barrier to getting a credit card – it's simply your starting point.  

There are options designed specifically for people in your position, whether that's a credit builder card to improve your score or a balance transfer card to manage existing debt more affordably. 

What matters most is choosing a card that fits your needs and using it as a tool to strengthen your credit profile. With consistent, responsible use, you'll be well on your way to better credit deals.